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George Floyd Protests Live Updates: Fury and Frustration in Cities Across U.S. George Floyd Protests Live Updates: Fury and Frustration in Cities Across U.S.
(32 minutes later)
Tens of thousands of people poured into streets across the United States to express anger and heartbreak on Saturday over the death of yet another black man at the hands of the police, but a largely peaceful day of protests descended into a night of chaos, destruction and sporadic violence in a number of cities. Cities across the United States smoldered on Sunday morning after a largely peaceful day of protests collapsed into a night of chaos, destruction and sporadic violence.
On Sunday morning, the authorities were still sorting through the smoldering wreckage as the vast scope of the unrest came into sharper focus. The fear and fury that had seized Minneapolis, where the death of yet another black man at the hands of the police set off protracted unrest last week, swept well beyond Minnesota throughout the day and into the night, with tumultuous demonstrations from Columbus, Ohio, and Little Rock, Ark., to Miami and Washington.
Squad cars were set on fire in Philadelphia, stores were looted in Los Angeles, police officers in Richmond, Va., were injured and hospitalized, and at least one person was killed in Indianapolis, where a deputy police chief said the department had received so many reports of shots fired that they had lost count. Parts of Los Angeles were ablaze, squad cars and stores were damaged or destroyed in Chicago, gunfire echoed through downtown Indianapolis and one American city after another was filled with the smoke, gagging and vomiting that follow tear gas.
As protests spread from coast to coast, mayors in more than two dozen cities declared curfews — the first time so many local leaders have simultaneously issued such orders in the face of civic unrest since 1968, after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hundreds of people were arrested across the country as clashes erupted between the police and protesters. In some cities, the authorities appeared to fire rubber bullets and other projectiles with little or no provocation. In New York City, two police vehicles surged forward into a crowd of demonstrators, some of whom were blocking the street and pelting the cars with debris.
In several cities, the National Guard was brought in to assist overwhelmed local police. At least 75 cities have seen protests in recent days, and mayors in more than two dozen cities imposed curfews. It was the first time so many local leaders have simultaneously issued such orders in the face of civic unrest since 1968, after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Guard soldiers stood posts in Atlanta and Minneapolis, and California moved troops into Los Angeles.
Saturday’s upheaval was the fifth day of fury since George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. The spark was a cellphone video showing a white police officer grinding his knee into Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as he struggled to breathe. Saturday’s upheaval was the fifth day of outrage since George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis on Monday. A cellphone video showed a white police officer — since fired and charged with third-degree murder — grinding his knee into Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as he struggled to breathe.
For more than two months, millions of people have been ordered to stay in their homes to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed more than 100,000 lives in the country. And the measures put in place to combat the virus have led to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, with 40 million people out of work. Coming after months of restrictions to curb the coronavirus pandemic and the deep economic slowdown they have caused, with 40 million people out of work, the video of Mr. Floyd’s death brought a renewed outpouring of anguish over inequality and maltreatment.
Careful plans to reopen shuttered shops and ease restrictions in locked-down cities have been thrown into disarray by the protesters’ outpouring of anguish. Despite images of fires lighting up the night sky and lawlessness that threatened to overwhelm many of the nation’s police forces, many protesters were not seeking physical confrontation, but rather venting deep frustration and calling for change. “I’m not here to fight someone,” said Eldon Gillet, 40, who was on the streets in Brooklyn. “I’m here to fight a system.”
Despite images of fires lighting up the night sky and lawlessness that threatened to overwhelm many of the nation’s police forces, many protesters were not looking for physical confrontation, but rather venting deep frustration and calling for change. “I’m not here to fight someone,” said Eldon Gillet, 40, who was on the streets in Brooklyn. “I’m here to fight a system.” Just outside the White House’s fence line, smoke filled the air for a second night after President Trump continued to send conflicting and often divisive messages.
At the White House, as smoke filled the air outside the building for a second night, President Trump continued to send conflicting and often divisive messages.
After writing on Twitter on Friday that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” — echoing comments from a Miami police chief in 1967 — on Saturday morning Mr. Trump said the Secret Service had been prepared to sic the “most vicious dogs” on protesters outside the White House gates.After writing on Twitter on Friday that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” — echoing comments from a Miami police chief in 1967 — on Saturday morning Mr. Trump said the Secret Service had been prepared to sic the “most vicious dogs” on protesters outside the White House gates.
On Sunday morning, fires were still smoldering outside those gates and in cities across a divided, disoriented nation. More protests are expected across the country on Sunday.
From the high-end shops of Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles to Times Square in New York City — and most major cities in between — fires raged, hundreds of people were arrested and stores were looted in a night convulsed by often destructive demonstrations.From the high-end shops of Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles to Times Square in New York City — and most major cities in between — fires raged, hundreds of people were arrested and stores were looted in a night convulsed by often destructive demonstrations.
Here is the latest from around the nation:Here is the latest from around the nation:
Indianapolis: One person was killed and three others were injured when a gunman fired shots at a protest, the police said. “Enough is enough,” said Police Chief Randal Taylor at an overnight news conference as sirens blared all around him. “Indianapolis, we are better than this. Downtown is not safe at this time.”Indianapolis: One person was killed and three others were injured when a gunman fired shots at a protest, the police said. “Enough is enough,” said Police Chief Randal Taylor at an overnight news conference as sirens blared all around him. “Indianapolis, we are better than this. Downtown is not safe at this time.”
Chicago: Protesters scuffled with the police, burning at least one flag and marching toward the Trump International Hotel and Tower before dispersing. About 3,000 people took part in the protests, according to local news reports. Some vandalized police vehicles and left spray-painted buildings in their wake.Chicago: Protesters scuffled with the police, burning at least one flag and marching toward the Trump International Hotel and Tower before dispersing. About 3,000 people took part in the protests, according to local news reports. Some vandalized police vehicles and left spray-painted buildings in their wake.
Los Angeles: Mayor Eric M. Garcetti issued a curfew and Gov. Gavin Newsom activated the National Guard. There were clashes with the police throughout the day and into the night, and firefighters raced to put out fires in shops that had been looted and set ablaze. Mr. Garcetti said the simultaneous protests and coronavirus pandemic represented “the heaviest moment I’ve experienced as a resident of Los Angeles” since the 1992 riots that broke out after four white police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, a black man.Los Angeles: Mayor Eric M. Garcetti issued a curfew and Gov. Gavin Newsom activated the National Guard. There were clashes with the police throughout the day and into the night, and firefighters raced to put out fires in shops that had been looted and set ablaze. Mr. Garcetti said the simultaneous protests and coronavirus pandemic represented “the heaviest moment I’ve experienced as a resident of Los Angeles” since the 1992 riots that broke out after four white police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, a black man.
San Francisco: Mayor London Breed brought in a curfew as demonstrators marched through the region. Scores of businesses were looted in the Bay Area and a fire was set at a shopping mall, according to the police. Police Chief Bill Scott pleaded for people to go home. “Tearing down a business that people have spent their lives to build — if you’re a San Franciscan, is that what you want?”San Francisco: Mayor London Breed brought in a curfew as demonstrators marched through the region. Scores of businesses were looted in the Bay Area and a fire was set at a shopping mall, according to the police. Police Chief Bill Scott pleaded for people to go home. “Tearing down a business that people have spent their lives to build — if you’re a San Franciscan, is that what you want?”
Florida: Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County ordered a countywide curfew beginning at 10 p.m. after police cars and other vehicles were set ablaze near the Miami Police Department headquarters. In Jacksonville, a police officer was “stabbed or slashed in the neck and is currently in the hospital,” Sheriff Mike Williams said at a news conference. And in the Tampa Bay area, some stores were looted or set on fire during a chaotic evening of protests that the authorities said left at least two deputies injured.Florida: Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County ordered a countywide curfew beginning at 10 p.m. after police cars and other vehicles were set ablaze near the Miami Police Department headquarters. In Jacksonville, a police officer was “stabbed or slashed in the neck and is currently in the hospital,” Sheriff Mike Williams said at a news conference. And in the Tampa Bay area, some stores were looted or set on fire during a chaotic evening of protests that the authorities said left at least two deputies injured.
Washington, D.C.: The National Guard was deployed outside the White House, where chanting crowds clashed with the Secret Service and attacked a Fox News reporter. Fires were set in Lafayette Park, just steps from the White House.Washington, D.C.: The National Guard was deployed outside the White House, where chanting crowds clashed with the Secret Service and attacked a Fox News reporter. Fires were set in Lafayette Park, just steps from the White House.
Philadelphia: At least 13 police officers were injured as protesters set cars on fire, broke windows at City Hall and ransacked stores across the center of the city. Mayor Jim Kenney declared a mandatory citywide curfew starting at 8 p.m.Philadelphia: At least 13 police officers were injured as protesters set cars on fire, broke windows at City Hall and ransacked stores across the center of the city. Mayor Jim Kenney declared a mandatory citywide curfew starting at 8 p.m.
New York City: Thousands of demonstrators gathered at marches in Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens and outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. Late afternoon on Saturday, protesters in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn confronted the police in a series of street melees, hurling empty bottles and pieces of debris at officers, who responded with billy clubs and pepper spray. A video showed a police car driving into a crowd.New York City: Thousands of demonstrators gathered at marches in Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens and outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. Late afternoon on Saturday, protesters in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn confronted the police in a series of street melees, hurling empty bottles and pieces of debris at officers, who responded with billy clubs and pepper spray. A video showed a police car driving into a crowd.
Atlanta: Local authorities, supported by up to 1,500 National Guard soldiers, enforced a 9 p.m. curfew, and the city avoided another night of extraordinary chaos in its downtown. Although the police fired tear gas and made more than 50 arrests, there were far fewer reports of property damage by Sunday morning. Still, Gov. Brian Kemp said he would double the National Guard deployment across Georgia ahead of several expected demonstrations on Sunday. Atlanta: Local authorities, supported by up to 1,500 National Guard soldiers, enforced a 9 p.m. curfew, and the city avoided another night of extraordinary chaos in its downtown. Although the police fired tear gas and made more than 50 arrests, there were far fewer reports of property damage by Sunday morning. Still, Gov. Brian Kemp said he would double the National Guard deployment across Georgia ahead of several expected demonstrations on Sunday. In neighboring Tennessee, Gov. Bill
Seattle: Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a citywide curfew of 5 p.m. Then the police spent hours using tear gas and physical force to push demonstrators away from the city’s retail core, where cars were set ablaze and windows at dozens of stores were smashed, including the flagship Nordstrom store.Seattle: Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a citywide curfew of 5 p.m. Then the police spent hours using tear gas and physical force to push demonstrators away from the city’s retail core, where cars were set ablaze and windows at dozens of stores were smashed, including the flagship Nordstrom store.
Richmond, Va.: Two police officers at the State Capitol were hospitalized with leg injuries after being struck by a baseball bat and a beer bottle, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Earlier, the police fired tear gas at protesters, some of whom set off fireworks and smashed windows.Richmond, Va.: Two police officers at the State Capitol were hospitalized with leg injuries after being struck by a baseball bat and a beer bottle, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Earlier, the police fired tear gas at protesters, some of whom set off fireworks and smashed windows.
Protesters who took to the streets on Saturday in Minneapolis, the epicenter of the demonstrations, met a more determined response from police officers and National Guard troops.Protesters who took to the streets on Saturday in Minneapolis, the epicenter of the demonstrations, met a more determined response from police officers and National Guard troops.
Soon after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect in the city, the police began arresting protesters and firing tear gas and other projectiles toward crowds, and the National Guard used a helicopter to dump water on a burning car.Soon after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect in the city, the police began arresting protesters and firing tear gas and other projectiles toward crowds, and the National Guard used a helicopter to dump water on a burning car.
The response reflected a desire by the authorities to halt the violent protests that have spread nationwide since George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after being pinned down by a white Minneapolis police officer.The response reflected a desire by the authorities to halt the violent protests that have spread nationwide since George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after being pinned down by a white Minneapolis police officer.
Yet there were still reports of violence and destruction: a fire on the roof of a shopping mall, a person who shot at officers, and a group of people throwing items at the police. But state officials said around 11 p.m. that they were encouraged by the smaller crowds and apparent decrease in damage. Much of the city was empty shortly after midnight.Yet there were still reports of violence and destruction: a fire on the roof of a shopping mall, a person who shot at officers, and a group of people throwing items at the police. But state officials said around 11 p.m. that they were encouraged by the smaller crowds and apparent decrease in damage. Much of the city was empty shortly after midnight.
The demonstrations had escalated on Friday and Saturday even after a charge of third-degree murder was brought against Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who was fired after being recorded kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck until he lost consciousness.The demonstrations had escalated on Friday and Saturday even after a charge of third-degree murder was brought against Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who was fired after being recorded kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck until he lost consciousness.
With a nation on edge — ravaged by a pandemic, hammered by economic collapse, divided over lockdowns and even face masks, and continuing to be convulsed by racial discord — President Trump’s instinct has been to look for someone to fight.With a nation on edge — ravaged by a pandemic, hammered by economic collapse, divided over lockdowns and even face masks, and continuing to be convulsed by racial discord — President Trump’s instinct has been to look for someone to fight.
As several cities erupted in street protests, some of which resulted in clashes with the police, he made no appeal for calm.As several cities erupted in street protests, some of which resulted in clashes with the police, he made no appeal for calm.
Instead, in a series of tweets and comments to reporters on Saturday, he blamed Democrats for the unrest, called on “Liberal Governors and Mayors” to get “MUCH tougher” on crowds, threatened to intervene with “the unlimited power of our Military” and suggested that his supporters mount a counterdemonstration.Instead, in a series of tweets and comments to reporters on Saturday, he blamed Democrats for the unrest, called on “Liberal Governors and Mayors” to get “MUCH tougher” on crowds, threatened to intervene with “the unlimited power of our Military” and suggested that his supporters mount a counterdemonstration.
The turmoil came to Mr. Trump’s doorstep for the second night in a row on Saturday as hundreds of people protesting the death of George Floyd and the president’s response surged in streets near the White House.The turmoil came to Mr. Trump’s doorstep for the second night in a row on Saturday as hundreds of people protesting the death of George Floyd and the president’s response surged in streets near the White House.
Most were peaceful, chanting, “Black lives matter” and “No peace, no justice.” But some ignited small fires, set off firecrackers, and threw bricks, bottles and fruit at Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers, who responded with pepper spray. As police officers moved to secure the block, a Chevy Suburban was engulfed in a plume of black smoke and trees nearby were on fire.Most were peaceful, chanting, “Black lives matter” and “No peace, no justice.” But some ignited small fires, set off firecrackers, and threw bricks, bottles and fruit at Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers, who responded with pepper spray. As police officers moved to secure the block, a Chevy Suburban was engulfed in a plume of black smoke and trees nearby were on fire.
Mr. Trump’s statements did little to tamp down the outrage. Writing on Twitter, he called demonstrators outside the White House “professionally managed so-called ‘protesters’” and suggested that his supporters would meet them. “Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???”Mr. Trump’s statements did little to tamp down the outrage. Writing on Twitter, he called demonstrators outside the White House “professionally managed so-called ‘protesters’” and suggested that his supporters would meet them. “Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???”
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, released a statement early Sunday morning appealing for calm.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, released a statement early Sunday morning appealing for calm.
“We are a nation in pain, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us,” he wrote. “We are a nation enraged, but we cannot allow our rage to consume us. We are a nation exhausted, but we will not allow our exhaustion to defeat us.”“We are a nation in pain, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us,” he wrote. “We are a nation enraged, but we cannot allow our rage to consume us. We are a nation exhausted, but we will not allow our exhaustion to defeat us.”
In Denver, protesters lay with their faces in the ground and arms behind their back for nine minutes this weekend, shouting: “I can’t breathe.”In Denver, protesters lay with their faces in the ground and arms behind their back for nine minutes this weekend, shouting: “I can’t breathe.”
Their words — echoing the plea made by George Floyd as a police officer grinded a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on Wednesday, and the same cry for help made by Eric Garner of Staten Island when a police officer put him in a fatal chokehold in 2014 — formed part of one of numerous peaceful demonstrations that have played out across the country in recent days.Their words — echoing the plea made by George Floyd as a police officer grinded a knee into his neck in Minneapolis on Wednesday, and the same cry for help made by Eric Garner of Staten Island when a police officer put him in a fatal chokehold in 2014 — formed part of one of numerous peaceful demonstrations that have played out across the country in recent days.
Even as acts of destruction threatened to overshadow such efforts, here are scenes from across the United States of determined but nonviolent demonstrations.Even as acts of destruction threatened to overshadow such efforts, here are scenes from across the United States of determined but nonviolent demonstrations.
Residents in cities across the United States woke on Sunday to streets littered with debris, shattered storefronts and burned-out shells of police cars on empty roads strewn with broken glass.Residents in cities across the United States woke on Sunday to streets littered with debris, shattered storefronts and burned-out shells of police cars on empty roads strewn with broken glass.
The story of the previous night’s chaos in cities from Seattle to Atlanta was also told in graffiti left scrawled on buildings and vehicles.The story of the previous night’s chaos in cities from Seattle to Atlanta was also told in graffiti left scrawled on buildings and vehicles.
Protesters tagged “Black Lives Matter” on storefronts in Chicago. “Kill Cops” was the violent message spray painted on several buildings in Oakland. And in Salt Lake City, “Blue Lives Murder” was written on the walls of the State Capitol.Protesters tagged “Black Lives Matter” on storefronts in Chicago. “Kill Cops” was the violent message spray painted on several buildings in Oakland. And in Salt Lake City, “Blue Lives Murder” was written on the walls of the State Capitol.
Even St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was tagged.Even St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was tagged.
The smell of smoke lingered in the air as firefighters in Philadelphia and other cities battled the last lingering flames on scorched streets. And all around, face masks littered the ground, a reminder that the coronavirus remains a looming threat.The smell of smoke lingered in the air as firefighters in Philadelphia and other cities battled the last lingering flames on scorched streets. And all around, face masks littered the ground, a reminder that the coronavirus remains a looming threat.
Officials said it was too soon to tally the damages from the violence nationally, but it is likely to run into the millions of dollars. More than 250 businesses had been damaged as of Saturday evening in Minneapolis alone, according to the Star Tribune.Officials said it was too soon to tally the damages from the violence nationally, but it is likely to run into the millions of dollars. More than 250 businesses had been damaged as of Saturday evening in Minneapolis alone, according to the Star Tribune.
In Nashville, Ed Smith looked over his shoe store after it had been ransacked, his hand injured by broken glass.In Nashville, Ed Smith looked over his shoe store after it had been ransacked, his hand injured by broken glass.
“I just don’t understand,” told WKRN television.“I just don’t understand,” told WKRN television.
One person was killed and three others were injured when a gunman fired shots at a protest in Indianapolis early Sunday, bringing to at least four the number of people killed since Wednesday in violence connected with the protests.One person was killed and three others were injured when a gunman fired shots at a protest in Indianapolis early Sunday, bringing to at least four the number of people killed since Wednesday in violence connected with the protests.
The authorities were also investigating a possible connection with the shooting death of a federal officer in California. The officer, a contract security guard for the Department of Homeland Security, was fatally shot outside a federal courthouse in Oakland on Friday night as demonstrations in the city turned violent.The authorities were also investigating a possible connection with the shooting death of a federal officer in California. The officer, a contract security guard for the Department of Homeland Security, was fatally shot outside a federal courthouse in Oakland on Friday night as demonstrations in the city turned violent.
Ken Cuccinelli, the Department of Homeland Security’s acting deputy secretary, called the shooting an act of “domestic terrorism,” but the state’s governor cautioned against connecting the shooting with the protests.Ken Cuccinelli, the Department of Homeland Security’s acting deputy secretary, called the shooting an act of “domestic terrorism,” but the state’s governor cautioned against connecting the shooting with the protests.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement that “No one should rush to conflate this heinous act with the protests last night.”Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement that “No one should rush to conflate this heinous act with the protests last night.”
Elsewhere, people were killed when once-peaceful protests descended into violence.Elsewhere, people were killed when once-peaceful protests descended into violence.
The authorities in Minneapolis on Friday identified Calvin L. Horton Jr., 43, as the victim in a shooting outside a pawnshop that was looted on Wednesday.The authorities in Minneapolis on Friday identified Calvin L. Horton Jr., 43, as the victim in a shooting outside a pawnshop that was looted on Wednesday.
In Detroit on Friday, a 21-year-old man was shot to death while sitting in his car near Cadillac Square as hundreds of protesters swarmed the streets. The police said the gunman might have known and targeted the victim and used the chaos of the demonstrations as a cover.In Detroit on Friday, a 21-year-old man was shot to death while sitting in his car near Cadillac Square as hundreds of protesters swarmed the streets. The police said the gunman might have known and targeted the victim and used the chaos of the demonstrations as a cover.
And early Saturday in St. Louis, a man was killed after protesters blocked Interstate 44, set fires and tried to loot a FedEx truck. The man was killed, the police said, when he became caught between the truck’s two trailers as the driver tried to wend his way through the protest.And early Saturday in St. Louis, a man was killed after protesters blocked Interstate 44, set fires and tried to loot a FedEx truck. The man was killed, the police said, when he became caught between the truck’s two trailers as the driver tried to wend his way through the protest.
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Tess Felder, Russell Goldman, Elian Peltier, Simon Romero and Marc Santora.Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Tess Felder, Russell Goldman, Elian Peltier, Simon Romero and Marc Santora.